NEWCASTLE 0-2 MAN CITY: Antoine Semenyo was the man of the moment once again for Pep Guardiola’s side as they took a major step towards Wembley against the Carabao Cup holders
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was right to fear Antoine Semenyo ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final with Manchester City. The £62.5million man had a huge say at St James’ Park on Tuesday evening as Pep Guardiola‘s side put one foot in the final.
Having only completed his blockbuster move to the Etihad last week, the Ghana international got his City career off to a dream start as he netted in the 10-1 win against Exeter in the FA Cup. Semenyo was at it once again on Tyneside as he converted at the back post following Jeremy Doku’s cross and Bernardo Silva’s deft touch.
He might even had had a second to his name after hooking home another from a corner, only for a lengthy VAR check to rule the strike out. It was adjudged that Erling Haaland was interfering on the line from an offside position as Semenyo put the ball in the net.
And while Semenyo might have his grumbles at that decision, the louder complaints will surely come from Newcastle head coach Howe.
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He had hit out at a rule change that had allowed Semenyo to even take to the pitch at St James’ Park. The forward would previously have been cup tied, having appeared for Bournemouth earlier in the competition.
Speaking before the game, Howe said: “Yeah, it was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they’d signed him. I have to say, that’s probably one rule change I wouldn’t be supportive of at this current moment.
“But Antoine’s had an incredible season. I’m a big admirer of his and he scored on his debut, so fair play to him. I think Man City have signed a very, very good player.”
While Semenyo proved to be the headline grabber for City at St James’ Park, his teammates still had plenty to say. Doku also shone, with his trickery and explosive pace causing issues for Newcastle throughout the evening.
Substitute Rayan Cherki eventually rounded off the win in the closing stages as he tucked home from Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cross.
Who was man-of-the-match between Newcastle and Man City? Share your thoughts in the comments below
The hosts however did have their moments, too. Yoane Wissa drew an excellent save from James Trafford, while captain Bruno Guimaraes also thumped the woodwork with a powerful effort but to no avail. Nick Woltemade should also have done better late on.
It now leaves Howe’s men with a difficult job on their hands as they target a rare win at the Etihad Stadium in early February, as they aim to return to Wembley and keep hold of their coveted crown. And to Howe’s disdain, Semenyo should once again be available.
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